One thing to consider is flexibility. I know some schools allow you to pre-purchase tuition, but you run the risk of your child not wanting/qualifying for that school. For example if you chose University of X, known for their engineering program, but your child desires a law program.... you're stuck.
It's very state-centric unfortunately, but there are states that do allow the tuition credits to transfer (roughly) like cash. What they do is they set up tier levels for credits, like "public", "private top tier", "Ivy League", etc., and those credits have varying costs of course. However, as the costs inflate over the years and as you buy credits, your child will be allowed to exercise those credits at any of the schools within those tiers, even if it's in a different state.
This complexity is one of the reasons I initially avoided the pre-paid plans and figured I'd go with a sure thing in market returns. But back then, I assumed 4-5% annual hikes would be the norm. Now that we're at 7-8% routinely, definitely worth a look.
I would love for someone to either make or show me how to make these knitted scrubbies my great-aunt would make. They far exceed any sponge or commerical scrubber on the market
I'd really like a new indoor drying rack for my laundry. The one I own was bought at a yard sale years ago. The wooden dowels will no longer stay in, and I've repaired it numerous times.
My mother used to make all of those for the holidays! She's been gone for years, but just thinking about her divinity - which no one even remembers anymore - reminds me of her. Thanks!
For the gym, I'd also see if your employer or health plan offers a discounted membership. While my gym isn't the greatest ever, I'm paying significantly less than market rate for it via a long standing agreement between the gym and my employer. Plus it's on my way to work (walking, naturally) and 2 blocks from my job.
Another option is Planet Fitness - though the ones near me are inaccessible without a car. They start at $10/month for memberships.
And I don't know what I'd do without Zipcar. They are running a promotion through early next year where you can rent a car from 6 pm to 8:30 am Monday through Thursday for only $34. I've been doing that every two weeks to take care of groceries, laundry, and any other errands that aren't convenient via public transit.
I would love to buy a pre-paid plan for a public university but those aren't available in my state. The 529 promise of locking in prices early through pre-paid credits was great but the majority of states opted out of that set-up so you're right to scrutinize various plans. Obviously, you can sign up for a savings plan in one state but I wouldn't think that tuition credits would transfer the way that cash would. Certain private schools do participate in prepaid programs so if you know where your child will be attending and that college is on the list, that could be a great way to start saving (and hedging).
I wrote about savings vs. prepaid plans earlier as well in case anyone is interested:
Gift cards are always my favorite, because then I can spend them on the things I know I need. Here recently, for my birthday, I received an assortment of soaps and lotions. I love those kinds of gifts too because then I don't have to buy my own!
Hi Hollis,
Thanks for your comment. I certainly anticipate some annual increase given the aggressive stock mix, but for my apples to apples comparison, with tuition increases at say, 7% per year and stocks increase at 7% per year as well, it's a wash. If tuition spikes higher and stocks sputter, I will have been better off with the tuition plan, so hedging bets with both options moving forward.
It's always interesting to hear how each state has their own nuances for their plans; sounds incredible there in Jersey if they're matching! That's great, most states don't have an all-out match, often just a tax deduction.
ON LETTING the WASH JUST SET, to clear, AFTER YEAST STOPS WORKING
The last time, I did (2) 5.5 gallon washes. I cleared with a clearing product. After I siphoned off the 'goodie', I put the cloudy stuff that sank, into a jar. After it sat for a month or so, 1/2 the volume became clear.
1. Can I reprocess that clear stuff?
2. I remember seeing reports that leaving the wash with the sediment in it too long would badly flavor the alcohol.
a. is that true?
b. I use a reflux still, doesn't that get rid of most all tastes?
We recently (a year ago) moved from the 'burbs to San Francisco and I honestly think our living expenses have gone down. Our living space is smaller, but we pay almost nothing in utilities, I only fill the gas tank 1-2 times a month and spend little on public transit choosing to walk more. Everything I need is within a 10 block radius so I waste less. As for a gym, 24hour fitness is the same price everywhere, so we can still afford that and there must be 8 or 10 in the city. Lots of free entertainment here also, so we don't spend on movies or shows (why would you when you can see a movie for free in the park?).
This is a great post, thank you for writing it! I grew up in a small town but live in thriving, dense, bustling, downtown Toronto. I don't need car, am in better shape for walking and cycling far more, and enjoy my life despite living on a modest income.
Good article but there are a few other things to consider. Hopefully your 529 account will increase annually and there will be compounding at work. In addition, there are states (like New Jersey) that have a matching program up to a certain amount - $1500 in New Jersey- if your child goes to an in-state school.
This is what I got after responding to a "too good to be true" apt. ad... (Also, I had mentioned I am a widow, why I
mention this will be obvious, right away!)
"Hello dear,
It's my great pleasure that you are interested in our lovely 2br/2ba home for rent. I am Rev David Defrancesco owner of this home. Actually we resided in this home before and presently we have packed out due to me and my wife transfer as a matter of my profession on a campaign tagged"Empowering the Widow and the Needy"... And my wife who is a missionary dealing with Bible Translation and literacy worldwide.
We will be serving for a long term and now our home is locked up now and presently we have found a new home here which we will be staying for a very long term which might last 5 years in (West Africa) NIGERIA and presently our lovely home is still available for rent for ($700) as first month rent including the utilities like washer,dryer,fireplace,fenced backyard, internet access and garage...
While the security deposit fee ($500) and your first month rent fee ($700) comes up as the first down payment and move in fee which you will make to receive the keys and other necessary documents that you will use in moving into our home,so after the payment the keys and other documents will be send to your full home address provided in the filling out of your application form via FedEx.So as soon as you receive the keys and documents you can move in at your own convince time.
More so,Now that we are on a retreat program over here. Please I want you to note that all we will want is a very honest and caring person, so i will solicit for your absolute understanding and maintenance of this home and want you to treat it as your own,I hope that is taken. The money is not the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy and clean always. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i have always stand on my word. I also want you to take note that payment will be send to me through Western Union Money Transfer grocery or store Nearest to You.
Please feel free to call me on my cell phone : 011-234-802-973-2557 OR +234-802-973-2557
Home Address: 17 Mariposa Avenue Lowell, MA
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Parking: Double Garage
Date Available: Available for move in immediately
Pet Policy: Pet Allowed
Security Deposit $500
Monthly rent : $700
Total Cost To Move In: $1200
SO IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH THE RENT APPLICATION FORM FILLED.EVERY OCCUPANT OVER THE AGE OF 18 MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION (EVEN IF MARRIED) PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM COMPLETELY.
***RENT APPLICATION FORM***
1)Your Full Name...........................?
2)Full home address & Phone number...........................................?
3)How old are you.................................?
4)Are you married...........................................?
5)How many people will be living in the house........................................?
6)Do you have a car................................?
7)When do you intend to make the total cost to move in............................................?
8)How long will you be staying ............................................?
9)When are you packing in to our house..................................?
10)Occupation...................................?
11)How many hours do you work daily....................................?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for
you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and sincerity so I won't like you to disappoint us.
Thanks and God Bless you
Rev David Defrancesco
Cell #: 011-234-802-973-2557 OR +234-802-973-2557 "
P.S.~ Above SCAM resulted from an ad on Craigslist in N.E. area.
Now, I have cancer, am on Disability, too young for help from husband's SS, and it took me 2 YEARS to come up with the $$ to try to move out from my current 'apt'.! Boy, I am *SO* glad I found this page & that my own radar worked (easily enough) when I got this ... P.O.S. response back...
just wish they didn't know what I did mention of myself... (kicking myself!!), but that was also a big part of tip-off, they used my situation and details "against" me in here, along w/the form b.s.
Thanks guys, for helping ppl, K
Your plan sounds good to me. Actually, a lot of state universities have raised their tuition 12% or more each year for the past 5 years. I have four children in college right now, and three are at Auburn University, which has raised tuition each year they've been enrolled - and it's always been 12% or 12.5%. Books have not gotten cheaper either, nor have living expenses.
I would like to see a scientific test where they do this with say 15-20 average automobiles and then examine what contaminates are on/in the food after it has been cooked this way.
I have a pretty fair idea of the kind of chemicals (not to mention what comes up from the road) is under my hood and I sure don't want it anywhere near my food. "Sealed in tinfoil" isn't sealed against some of the insidious stuff blowing around under the hood.
One thing to consider is flexibility. I know some schools allow you to pre-purchase tuition, but you run the risk of your child not wanting/qualifying for that school. For example if you chose University of X, known for their engineering program, but your child desires a law program.... you're stuck.
It's very state-centric unfortunately, but there are states that do allow the tuition credits to transfer (roughly) like cash. What they do is they set up tier levels for credits, like "public", "private top tier", "Ivy League", etc., and those credits have varying costs of course. However, as the costs inflate over the years and as you buy credits, your child will be allowed to exercise those credits at any of the schools within those tiers, even if it's in a different state.
This complexity is one of the reasons I initially avoided the pre-paid plans and figured I'd go with a sure thing in market returns. But back then, I assumed 4-5% annual hikes would be the norm. Now that we're at 7-8% routinely, definitely worth a look.
I want some salt and pepper shakers. Just the plain jane, $1 each kind. That's about as frugal as you can get, right? :)
I would love for someone to either make or show me how to make these knitted scrubbies my great-aunt would make. They far exceed any sponge or commerical scrubber on the market
I'd really like a new indoor drying rack for my laundry. The one I own was bought at a yard sale years ago. The wooden dowels will no longer stay in, and I've repaired it numerous times.
My mother used to make all of those for the holidays! She's been gone for years, but just thinking about her divinity - which no one even remembers anymore - reminds me of her. Thanks!
For the gym, I'd also see if your employer or health plan offers a discounted membership. While my gym isn't the greatest ever, I'm paying significantly less than market rate for it via a long standing agreement between the gym and my employer. Plus it's on my way to work (walking, naturally) and 2 blocks from my job.
Another option is Planet Fitness - though the ones near me are inaccessible without a car. They start at $10/month for memberships.
And I don't know what I'd do without Zipcar. They are running a promotion through early next year where you can rent a car from 6 pm to 8:30 am Monday through Thursday for only $34. I've been doing that every two weeks to take care of groceries, laundry, and any other errands that aren't convenient via public transit.
I would love to buy a pre-paid plan for a public university but those aren't available in my state. The 529 promise of locking in prices early through pre-paid credits was great but the majority of states opted out of that set-up so you're right to scrutinize various plans. Obviously, you can sign up for a savings plan in one state but I wouldn't think that tuition credits would transfer the way that cash would. Certain private schools do participate in prepaid programs so if you know where your child will be attending and that college is on the list, that could be a great way to start saving (and hedging).
I wrote about savings vs. prepaid plans earlier as well in case anyone is interested:
http://www.wisebread.com/529-plans-for-college-expenses-what-s-cool-and-...
10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget. A book by the writers of Wise Bread.
Gift cards are always my favorite, because then I can spend them on the things I know I need. Here recently, for my birthday, I received an assortment of soaps and lotions. I love those kinds of gifts too because then I don't have to buy my own!
THANK YOU for the great content! (It makes my job that much easier!)
Hi Hollis,
Thanks for your comment. I certainly anticipate some annual increase given the aggressive stock mix, but for my apples to apples comparison, with tuition increases at say, 7% per year and stocks increase at 7% per year as well, it's a wash. If tuition spikes higher and stocks sputter, I will have been better off with the tuition plan, so hedging bets with both options moving forward.
It's always interesting to hear how each state has their own nuances for their plans; sounds incredible there in Jersey if they're matching! That's great, most states don't have an all-out match, often just a tax deduction.
That's amazing - 12% per year? Imagine being able to match that in stocks year after year! Definitely hedging my bets here.
ON LETTING the WASH JUST SET, to clear, AFTER YEAST STOPS WORKING
The last time, I did (2) 5.5 gallon washes. I cleared with a clearing product. After I siphoned off the 'goodie', I put the cloudy stuff that sank, into a jar. After it sat for a month or so, 1/2 the volume became clear.
1. Can I reprocess that clear stuff?
2. I remember seeing reports that leaving the wash with the sediment in it too long would badly flavor the alcohol.
a. is that true?
b. I use a reflux still, doesn't that get rid of most all tastes?
Just linked in from Hack-a-Day. Thanks for writing this up. It looks like something I may work on myself.
Up to X% Off. This phrase literally means nothing. I can sell you a $50 item at $50 and still be included in that phrase.
We recently (a year ago) moved from the 'burbs to San Francisco and I honestly think our living expenses have gone down. Our living space is smaller, but we pay almost nothing in utilities, I only fill the gas tank 1-2 times a month and spend little on public transit choosing to walk more. Everything I need is within a 10 block radius so I waste less. As for a gym, 24hour fitness is the same price everywhere, so we can still afford that and there must be 8 or 10 in the city. Lots of free entertainment here also, so we don't spend on movies or shows (why would you when you can see a movie for free in the park?).
I can't see myself returning to the suburbs.
This is a great post, thank you for writing it! I grew up in a small town but live in thriving, dense, bustling, downtown Toronto. I don't need car, am in better shape for walking and cycling far more, and enjoy my life despite living on a modest income.
Good article but there are a few other things to consider. Hopefully your 529 account will increase annually and there will be compounding at work. In addition, there are states (like New Jersey) that have a matching program up to a certain amount - $1500 in New Jersey- if your child goes to an in-state school.
Hollis Colquhoun
Warm heavy socks, cream puffs with custard inside not whipped cream, divinity and peanut butter fudge.
This is what I got after responding to a "too good to be true" apt. ad... (Also, I had mentioned I am a widow, why I
mention this will be obvious, right away!)
"Hello dear,
It's my great pleasure that you are interested in our lovely 2br/2ba home for rent. I am Rev David Defrancesco owner of this home. Actually we resided in this home before and presently we have packed out due to me and my wife transfer as a matter of my profession on a campaign tagged"Empowering the Widow and the Needy"... And my wife who is a missionary dealing with Bible Translation and literacy worldwide.
We will be serving for a long term and now our home is locked up now and presently we have found a new home here which we will be staying for a very long term which might last 5 years in (West Africa) NIGERIA and presently our lovely home is still available for rent for ($700) as first month rent including the utilities like washer,dryer,fireplace,fenced backyard, internet access and garage...
While the security deposit fee ($500) and your first month rent fee ($700) comes up as the first down payment and move in fee which you will make to receive the keys and other necessary documents that you will use in moving into our home,so after the payment the keys and other documents will be send to your full home address provided in the filling out of your application form via FedEx.So as soon as you receive the keys and documents you can move in at your own convince time.
More so,Now that we are on a retreat program over here. Please I want you to note that all we will want is a very honest and caring person, so i will solicit for your absolute understanding and maintenance of this home and want you to treat it as your own,I hope that is taken. The money is not the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy and clean always. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i have always stand on my word. I also want you to take note that payment will be send to me through Western Union Money Transfer grocery or store Nearest to You.
Please feel free to call me on my cell phone : 011-234-802-973-2557 OR +234-802-973-2557
Home Address: 17 Mariposa Avenue Lowell, MA
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Parking: Double Garage
Date Available: Available for move in immediately
Pet Policy: Pet Allowed
Security Deposit $500
Monthly rent : $700
Total Cost To Move In: $1200
SO IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH THE RENT APPLICATION FORM FILLED.EVERY OCCUPANT OVER THE AGE OF 18 MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION (EVEN IF MARRIED) PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM COMPLETELY.
***RENT APPLICATION FORM***
1)Your Full Name...........................?
2)Full home address & Phone number...........................................?
3)How old are you.................................?
4)Are you married...........................................?
5)How many people will be living in the house........................................?
6)Do you have a car................................?
7)When do you intend to make the total cost to move in............................................?
8)How long will you be staying ............................................?
9)When are you packing in to our house..................................?
10)Occupation...................................?
11)How many hours do you work daily....................................?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for
you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and sincerity so I won't like you to disappoint us.
Thanks and God Bless you
Rev David Defrancesco
Cell #: 011-234-802-973-2557 OR +234-802-973-2557 "
P.S.~ Above SCAM resulted from an ad on Craigslist in N.E. area.
Now, I have cancer, am on Disability, too young for help from husband's SS, and it took me 2 YEARS to come up with the $$ to try to move out from my current 'apt'.! Boy, I am *SO* glad I found this page & that my own radar worked (easily enough) when I got this ... P.O.S. response back...
just wish they didn't know what I did mention of myself... (kicking myself!!), but that was also a big part of tip-off, they used my situation and details "against" me in here, along w/the form b.s.
Thanks guys, for helping ppl, K
Anything homemade...shows me the person really cares...
Your plan sounds good to me. Actually, a lot of state universities have raised their tuition 12% or more each year for the past 5 years. I have four children in college right now, and three are at Auburn University, which has raised tuition each year they've been enrolled - and it's always been 12% or 12.5%. Books have not gotten cheaper either, nor have living expenses.
I would like to see a scientific test where they do this with say 15-20 average automobiles and then examine what contaminates are on/in the food after it has been cooked this way.
I have a pretty fair idea of the kind of chemicals (not to mention what comes up from the road) is under my hood and I sure don't want it anywhere near my food. "Sealed in tinfoil" isn't sealed against some of the insidious stuff blowing around under the hood.
Does this cable work with the Motorola Backflip?